Andrew Tate free to leave Romania, but not EU, ahead of trial for human trafficking and alleged rape

Lina Portman3 days ago

0 2 minutes read

A Romanian court on Friday eased travel restrictions on controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, allowing them to travel within the European Union while they await trial on human trafficking and rape charges.

Andrew Tate and his brother are charged with human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal group to sexually exploit women. (AP)

British-born Tate, who was born in the United States, and his brother Tristan, who say they are innocent, are accused of forming an organised crime network in early 2021 in Romania and Britain.

The former professional kickboxer and his brother are accused of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal group aimed at sexually exploiting women.

The Bucharest court said on Friday that it “orders the replacement of the obligation of the (two) accused… not to leave the territory of Romania by the obligation of the accused not to leave the territorial limit of the European Union.”

They can only leave the EU zone “with the prior authorisation of the judge of the preliminary chamber or the court”, she specifies.

The brothers would still be subject to judicial supervision, which would require them to appear regularly before the authorities.

Tates spokeswoman Mateea Petrescu welcomed the decision, saying her clients could now “pursue professional opportunities without restriction.”

In late 2022, the Tates were arrested in Romania and spent three months in detention before being charged in June 2023.

Prosecutors allege that Tate, 37, his brother and two women created a criminal organization and sexually exploited multiple victims.

The victims were allegedly forced to perform pornographic acts.

The Tates are also charged with rape and assault in separate cases in Britain, where authorities have issued a European arrest warrant.

In March, a Romanian judge ordered the brothers' extradition to the UK to face charges, but only once another Romanian criminal case against them is completed.

The date for the trial in Romania has not yet been set.

Tate moved to Romania years ago after starting a webcam business in the UK.

In 2016, Tate appeared on the British reality TV show “Big Brother” but was removed after a video surfaced showing him attacking a woman.

He then took to social media to promote his controversial views.

Giving advice for success, as well as misogynistic and sometimes violent maxims, his videos have made him one of the most famous influencers in the world.